HARFORD REGION
2003 FALL RUN
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Click on each thumbnail to see photos of the event!

A sudden cold spell chilled the Harford Hounds as they gathered in forest Hill on October 24 for the annual Fall Run.  An unexpected phone call on the Oberender's cell phone informed the group that Pattie and Stoney Stonesifer's 1956 Ford had stopped on the way to the rendezvous point.  David and Alice left to help Pattie and Stoney with a promise they would catch up with the group at the first stop.  Led by Kim and Kevin Blevins, the group headed north towards Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania and stopped for breakfast at the Shrewsbury Family Restaurant where they were rejoined with the Oberenders and Stonesifers.   By the time the group finished their hearty breakfast, the morning sun was already beginning to warm things up.  the next destination was the Pfaltzgraff factory in York.  Pfaltzgraff is the oldest continuously operating pottery in the United States.   The group was given a guided tour of the factory to see how the products are made.   Following the tour, each person got to select a piece of Pfaltzgraff as a gift.

The group continued to New Oxford where they stopped for lunch at Rosies.  Dave English, driving his 1926 Packard touring car, joined the group for lunch.  The group then drove a few blocks to the train station where they parked the cars and had time to spend in the numerous antique shops.  Afterwards, the group got back on the road for the trip to Gettysburg with the next stop being at the Cyclorama.

Completed in 1884, this "Battle of Gettysburg" Cyclorama is a 360 foot circular oil-on-canvas that depicts "pickets Charge" in the 1863 battle.It is one of the last surviving cycloramas in the United States.  The group watched a 20 minute film on the Battle of Gettysburg, and a sound and light program featuring the cyclorama. the next destination was a short distance down the road at the Holiday Inn Battlefield where the group checked in for the weekend.  After time to unpack and relax, the group began walking into town.  The group had been invited to Dave and Jane English's home located a few blocks away.  The English's beautiful home was originally a large school, and its presence during the battle of Gettysburg is evident from the cannon shell embedded in the front wall.

After enjoying the English's hospitality, the group, joined by Dave and Jane, walked a few blocks to the Dobbin house for dinner.  Built in 1776, the Dobbin House is the oldest building in Gettysburg and is now a restaurant.  Returning to the motel, some members met in the lounge for a nightcap.

On Saturday morning, the group started the day with breakfast at the motel, before heading to the Land of Little Horses.  The Land of Little Horses is mostly known for the Falabella miniature horses.  Downsizing of the horses began in Argentina over one hundred and forty years ago with the goal of producing tiny, perfectly proportioned miniature horses.  The Falabella horses were first brought to Gettysburg from Argentina over 30 years ago.  The park also has a large number of exotic and alternative farm animals.  After the group had a chance to walk around to see the many different animals, a member of the park staff gave a presentation on several of the Falabella horses.  The group then watched a live performance that featured the Falabella horses and other trained animals.  Leaving the Land of Little Horses, the group traveled to the General Pickett's Buffet for lunch.

The next stop on the agenda was at "Historic Tours" for a guided tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield in vintage buses.  Part of the group rode in a 1933 Ford school bus while the others rode in a 1930s White Model 706 bus, originally built for use as Yellowstone National Park tour buses.  The tour took the group to all of the major areas of the battlefield with a stop on Little Roundtop and the National Cemetery.  The tour was very informative and made you feel as though you were right there in the battle.

Next, it was back to the motel for some relaxation while others did a little shopping before dinner.  The group then drove to the Gettysbrew Restaurant and Brewery.  Gettysbrew is located at the historic Monfort Farm, one of the largest Confederate field hospitals after the battle.   Returning from dinner, the group met in the lobby about 9:30pm and walked across the street to start our Ghost Tour.  We were led through the streets of Gettysburg by our guide and told of the many ghosts that are said to be seen and heard.

Sunday morning we were up, packed, and out of the motel early because we were off to Boyd's Bear Country.  After we arrived, we were joined by the English's and we all went to the restaurant for a delicious breakfast.  After breakfast, some of the group left to go and see Dave English's garage while others stayed to see the bears, over 70,000 bears and friends under one roof.   The weather had warmed each day and now it was getting really nice as the group headed to the Grotto of Lourdes.  The group park their cars and take a walk of the grounds and gardens of this very peaceful and spiritual sanctuary.

Now it was time to head back towards Harford County and the closing meal at LeMotte's in New Freedom.  The trees could not have been lovelier and the ride home was great.  After dinner, everyone shared a birthday cake to celebrate Jim Laird's birthday the day before.    Connie and Doug Harrell got the Hunt Cup.  The Moxleys got the Early Bird Award and the Stonesifers got the Hard Luck Award for the early problem with their car.

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